are my gauges broke?

[85 stepside]

I just bought a 85 stepside and im not sure if my gauges are working correctly. After i shut off the ignition the temp and oil gauge dont bottom out. When i turn the ignition back on then they bottom out, then when i start my truck the oil goes to 60lbs and the temp moves up as the motor warms. I just dont understand the not bottoming out thing. is that the way they are supposed to work?

[hornsfan10609]

Mine don't in my 91. I noticed the newer truck's gauges go all the way up and then back down when you start them up. I think they are fine, but if you are sure they don't work, then maybe somebody on here can help you.

[$gmoney$]

It would make sence that they go down...your motor has no psi when its off, and if the motor is cold, it's not going to register on the gauge. If it's just thouse gauges then its fine I guess.

[cody777]

Thats what my 85 does also. I put some aftermarket gauges in mine cause the stock ones arnt that great and they do it to.

[85 stepside]

I guess if your 85 does it too, even with aftermarket gauges, then mine are fine. Now how about the lights, they arent very bright. Is there a solution for that,without changing the gauges?

[cody777]

Mine go down when i slow down also then go back up when i get going agin. The lighting is not great there is an article somewhere on how to make them briter, but i cant remember where